CORE 100 First Year Seminar: the Anthropocene

According to scientists, historians, and cultural observers, we are living in the Anthropocene, a geological epoch caused by human activity.While experts disagree about when exactly the Anthropocene started, it's clear that we-people-have profoundly modified the atmosphere, ocean ecology, and even the ground beneath our feet.We've changed the planet in ways that imperil our own long-term survival and thriving (not to mention that of countless other species).What does it mean to live in the Anthropocene?How should we proceed as a society-and how should we cope, as individuals and as collectives, with feelings of fear, guilt, and frustration?We'll explore answers from science, philosophy, history, art, and other fields.Alexis Rockman, "Spheres of Influence" (2017) Oil and alkyd on wood panel, 72 X 144 inches While this course assumes that anthropogenic climate change is real and that its impacts demand action, it also recognizes that we all bring unique opinions and experiences to class discussion.(Note that "the Anthropocene" involves climate change but is not the same thing as climate change).By remaining in this class, you agree to engage respectfully and open-mindedly with others' ideas, including ideas raised by our readings. How to use this document:This syllabus provides basic information about this course, including policies, learning goals, and an overview of course assignments.It also contains a tentative schedule of readings and assignments.Read this entire document at the beginning of the semester.Consult Canvas for updates to the schedule, which may change slightly in response to the needs of people in this particular section of the course.